More Top Free Things to Do in Melbourne - January 2018

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After enjoying part 1 of the Free Melbourne list, bring on more fun in Melbourne with these free events and activities in January 2018.

On Australia Day, have a picnic at the Treasury Gardens as indigenous musicians perform traditional and contemporary song and dance during the Balit Narrun - Share the Spirit Festival. Share that spirit with over 5,000 people, surrounded by the lush greenery, art stalls and food trucks. Visit the Share the Spirit Facebook page for details.

Tickle the ivories on these upright pianos, colourfully painted and placed in public spaces throughout Melbourne. Anyone can try playing their favourite tunes on these 20 street pianos, found in our parks, train stations, markets and bridges. Visit the Arts Centre Melbourne website for details.

Celebrate the best country in the world with a day of barbecues, outdoor games and family fun. On the lawns at Dukes Walk in South Wharf, giant screens will broadcast the action from the Australian Open as children's faces are painted, people play giant games of Connect Four, and dads discover the secrets of barbecuing, roasting and smoking meat. Visit the Facebook page for details.

Tackle the midweek with a quick stint of gentle exercise in the Boyd Summer Park on City Rd in Southbank. During the hour-long session, you'll pair off to practise breathing, stretching, cardio and resistance training techniques. Visit the Eventbrite website for details.

Have a chuckle on Tuesdays at the Imperial Hotel on Bourke St. During the 2-hour show, you can dine in on pub food favourites as comedians, including Joe Shaffer, Kelly Fastuca and Tom Gleeson, add mirth to the main stage. Visit the Imperial Comedy Facebook page for details.



Begin your child's love for art at the National Gallery of Victoria during the summer school holidays. The gallery spaces will become workshops for kids to paint watercolours, as local and international artists guide teenagers to create their own masterpieces. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria website for details.

While we swelter, in Northern Europe, the enchanting snow-capped landscape is the backdrop for heavenly choral song. Enjoy a concert with an award-winning Latvian choir to celebrate the centenary of Latvia's independence. In 1918, the Republic of Latvia was declared, and one hundred years later, the worldwide festivities continue in the State Library of Victoria. Visit the State Library of Victoria website for details.

While dungeons should evoke our deepest fears, for children, these can be the realm of magical adventures, brought to life with tales of fantasy. Accompany your child (ages 5 - 8 on 15th and 16th, ages 9 - 12 on the 17th) to the State Library of Victoria as they become part of the story, guided on an epic 90-minute journey. Visit the Eventbrite website to book.

In the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery on 141 Queen St, meditate upon the eternal in the exhibition of the works by Shanghai-based artist, Yiwen Zhu. The traditional fans, calligraphy and landscape paintings resonate with the spiritual in the Chinese script and scenes of wildlife, nature and rural life.Visit the Fo Guang Shan website for details.

Mix with your mates at this mid-week market, browsing the pop-up stalls with international cuisine, live music and special offers. Join in the fun of the 20th year of this foodie festival at the Queen Victoria Market. Visit the Night Market website for details.



Stroll along the promenade on a peaceful Sunday, taking in the sights, sounds and scents of stalls with handmade clothing, jewellery, art, homewares and toys. Sip fresh coffee or juice as you brush cinnamon and sugar from your chin while eating a warm churro. Visit the market at the Newquay Promenade in Docklands, checking the Dockland Sunday Market website for details.

In the State Library's spectacular La Trobe Reading Room, learn the story of the history of the book. This guided tour features the rare items created as literature developed from the middle ages to the present day. Featuring a curated selection of works from SL's Rare Books Collection, you'll see the finer detail in maps, books, photography and essays, revealing insights in philosophy, science and religion. Visit the State Library of Victoria website for details.

We all hope to avoid a day in court, but just in case, take this tour of the library in Victoria's highest court. As you learn about the heritage and architecture of the Law Library of Victoria at 210 William St, you'll avoid arrest after learning it's illegal to vacuum after 10pm. Visit the Law Library website for details.

On Tuesday evenings, prepare for the impending Christmas diet dilemma with free cardio and weights classes in Alexandra Gardens, guided by a qualified instructor. As the sun sets, take a moment to gaze at the lush surroundings while you catch your breath. Visit the Melbourne Healthy Lifestyle website for details.
Looking for more free fun in Melbourne? Check out part 1 here .

Is there another free activity or event you're looking forward to in January? Please let us know with a comment.

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